8 June 2026 In Poetry By Ainsleigh Brandler

Mothering Sunday 

Dedicated and devoted 
Always giving your best
You love deeply and intentionally 
And in that I rest

Nurturing and tender, you are my safe space 
An unexpected glimpse of my future face 
Undivided attention and a listening ear 
Forehead kisses and compassionate tears 
Belly laughs on slow sunshine-filled days 
What a privilege it is to inherit your ways 
Your knowledge imparted and wisdom shared 
My own motherhood journey you help me prepare

I count my blessings that we have each other 
It is indeed an honour to call you mother
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8 June 2026 In Poetry By Ainsleigh Brandler

My Tenacious Toddler 

I watched gleefully as you practiced your walk 
A few shaky steps and some chattery talk 
With such determination you toddled to the wall 
But your feet betrayed you and you started to fall 
The impact intense and your mouth a bloody mess 
Your tiny body shaking in shock and distress 
Shrill, painful wails and free-flowing tears
Mama in crisis mode as I lived out my fears 
I offered the breast to calm your frenzied fit
But I couldn't keep you safe and that broke me a bit 
We got you checked out by the dentist on call 
Who prescribed kisses, cuddles, and nurofen galore 
Now we wait and see what of your two top teeth 
Thankful that permanent ones lie just underneath

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8 June 2026 In Poetry By Ainsleigh Brandler

Postpartum 

My exhaustion made obvious by tired eyes 
Blood soaked pads stuck between my thighs 
Engorged breasts leaving patches of wet 
Milk stains mixed with brutal night sweats 
As tears roll down, both yours and mine
I tell myself I'm doing just fine...

Despite raging hormones and daily breakdowns 
Weeks spent at home wrapped in my dressing gown
I've got no clothes to wear as nothing will fit 
Over my sagging, soft stomach and the hanging bit 

A scar so unsightly, raised red and so raw
A reminder I'm a warrior and we went to war 
Injections that leave my legs black and blue 
The sting only manageable when I look at you 
Still processing the trauma of labour and birth
I assess my motherhood and it's worth

The jump from one to two has been juggle 
But we find such joy amongst the struggle 
Our village surround us and continue to pray 
Friends provide meals in such a selfless way 
The days are long and the nights are slow 
Yet how blessed I am to watch my family grow 

You're still so new and we're learning each other 
You as a son, and me as a mother
Littlest love, you have made me complete 
I cherish you my baby boy
With every heartbeat

@ainsleigh_writes
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8 June 2026 In Poetry By Ainsleigh Brandler

Wounded 

You hid your deceit behind hazel eyes 
As I lapped up your little lies
Ignoring all the telltale signs 
That you weren't just mine
Your boyish casual charm 
Parading me on your arm 
Made my friends uneasy 
Said you were sleazy 
And like so many times before 
I defended you to the core
Slowly I recognised the change in you 
Hurting each time the distance grew 
But inside me, I already knew
So I said goodbye
And let you fly
Onto the next unassuming prey 
Who you will end up wounding
The very same way
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